NI players amazed Michael O'Neill is still boss

International players surprised that no club has made a move for manager

Jonny Evans has admitted that the Northern Ireland players are surprised that Michael O'Neill remains in charge following on from the European Championships.

There was expectation that O'Neill would land a big club job having led the country to their first ever European Championships final in which he tactically excelled.

"It has been strange no-one has come in for him," Evans said ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Czech Republic in Prague.

"He is in a great position and I think no matter what happens in this campaign he will always be in a strong position.

"We are all really fond of the manager, we would all like to see him being given that chance to go and prove himself at club level. I do not think we would hold it against him if he did move on and manage a club.

"We are grateful as players that we have him for this campaign because we know the hunger he has and it has a big impact on us."

O'Neill has previously managed at Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers but despite being linked to various clubs in England and Scotland, he signed a new four-year deal with the Irish Football Association earlier this year.